Women’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Soars to 50% in Malaysia, Says ACCA

6 March 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: New survey data indicates that 50% of women working in finance and accountancy in Malaysia now aspire to establish their own businesses, up from 43% last year.

The results are derived from early insights from ACCA’s global survey of over 11,000 finance professionals across 175 countries, with the full report scheduled for release in May 2026.

This upward trend signals growing confidence among women in leveraging accountancy and finance training as a springboard for entrepreneurship.

While overall entrepreneurial ambitions remain higher among men, the narrowing gender gap highlights a significant shift in career confidence and long-term aspirations.

The data further reveals that entrepreneurial ambition is especially prevalent among younger female professionals, particularly Generation Z and Millennials, with half expressing a desire to become entrepreneurs. This points to a generational movement towards independence, impact, and financial self-reliance.

The findings were released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026 and align with the UN Women theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.’

Helen Brand, CEO of ACCA, commented, “Entrepreneurship is a clear expression of economic empowerment. The increasing number of women aspiring to own businesses is an encouraging sign that finance and accountancy skills are equipping women not just to lead within organisations but also to create their own enterprises. Accountancy provides a robust platform for entrepreneurial success, integrating financial expertise, governance, risk management, technology, and strategic insight. Supporting women to turn ambition into enterprise is vital—not only for equality but also for economic growth.”

The Global Talent Trends 2026 data confirms that accountancy remains a natural training ground for future entrepreneurs, with over half of respondents viewing their finance background as advantageous for business ventures.

This trend is particularly strong in emerging markets, where entrepreneurship is often seen as a pathway to economic mobility and societal impact.

The research also indicates that women’s entrepreneurial aspirations are part of a broader redefinition of the accountancy profession.

Many finance professionals are increasingly seeking roles aligned with purpose, social impact, environmental sustainability, and personal autonomy, highlighting the expanding role of accountancy as a gateway to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

Andrew Lim, head of ACCA Maritime South-East Asia, stated, “The drive towards entrepreneurship is especially evident among younger finance professionals. They see accountancy as more than just a technical discipline; it’s a launchpad for innovation, independence, and making an impact. While there’s still work to be done to achieve gender parity, the trend is clear. The profession is helping to unlock entrepreneurial potential on a large scale.”

International Women’s Day offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on how professions can support equitable access to opportunities. Unlocking women’s entrepreneurial potential brings significant economic benefits worldwide, including increased job creation, innovation, and productivity.